Session Start: Thu Sep 24 23:01:03 1998
* Ayreon walks onto the bridge
<Ayreon> hmmmmm......empty
<Ayreon> Computer, bring up the starchart for this sector 
<computer> acknowledged
* Ayreon surveys the starchart
<Ayreon> computer, access personal files for Ayreon, access code "final experiment"
<computer> ackowledged. accessing files
* Ayreon returns his attention to the starchart
<computer> files accessed, uploading now
<Ayreon> bring up coordinates for the asteriod named "Avalon" in the files
<Ayreon> overlay the asteriods postion with current starchart
<computer> acknowledged
<Admiral-Lilwall> hello?
<Ayreon> Oh, Hi Admiral
* Admiral-Lilwall approaches Ayreon, "what's cooking chef?"
<Ayreon> we're near an asteriod that I remember having been converted into a space station
<Ayreon> I call it "Avalon"
<Admiral-Lilwall> oh?  What's its purpose?
<Ayreon> It hasn't told me yet
* Ayreon walks to the navigational station
<Admiral-Lilwall> You had the station converted and you don't know why?
<Ayreon> I didn't convert it
<Ayreon> it was built by aliens
<Ayreon> It's been sitting empty for almost a millenium
* Ayreon enters a course change
<Ayreon> I figure we could pick up additional supplies
<Admiral-Lilwall> whoa buddy
<Ayreon> what?
<Admiral-Lilwall> no unauthorised course corrections
<Computer> Warning: Course change cannot be instituted without command-level authorization
<Admiral-Lilwall> we hold steady for now
* Ayreon looks at Admiral Lilwall
<Ayreon> then I request a leave of absence
<Admiral-Lilwall> Ugh, I hope you have a real good reason for wanting to visit an abandoned alien artifact
<Ayreon> It's friendly
<Ayreon> seriously
<Ayreon> Angra and I explored the station a year ago
<Admiral-Lilwall> I can't stop you from leaving.....but let it be noted I advise against it
<Ayreon> It's a small outpost, fully equiped and never used
<Ayreon> the computer said a war broke out, and the scientists were recalled to their homeworld. they never returned
<Ayreon> it's been sitting empty ever since
* Admiral-Lilwall plants a tracer on Ayreon without notice, not willing to chance another LONAC member vanishing, no matter the chance of it
<Ayreon> The station is friendly Lil. I've been in contact with it a few time since I came here
<Waitstate> *over comm* Did someone just try and change the ship's course? the computer just buzzed me
<Admiral-Lilwall> Like I said, I can't stop you Ayreon. Just know not everything friendly stays that way ok?  Have fun :)
<Admiral-Lilwall> This is Lil, minor over sight boss, pay it no mind
<Ayreon> In fact, Ytsejam is looking to moving his lab to the station
* Ayreon looks back to the starchart, then leaves the bridge
<Waitstate> *comm* do I need to come up?
* Ayreon returns to his quarters
<Admiral-Lilwall> Negative Wait, I just tripped and landed on the console, bridge watch is otherwise dull
<Waitstate> *comm* ok then. Out.
* Ayreon looks around the room
<Ayreon> Ah! there it is! 
* Ayreon picks up a scanning device
<Ayreon> this'll do
* Ayreon heads for the lift
<Ayreon> hanger bay
* Ayreon watches the lift doors close, and rides the lift to the hanger bay
<Ayreon> at max speed, I should be there in an hour
<Ayreon> Lil didn't even realize how close we were
<Ayreon> shame
<Ayreon> computer, access com array
<computer> access denied
<computer> improper clearance given
<Ayreon> damn
* Waitstate gets another buzz from the computer
* Ayreon waits for the lift to stop, then steps out
<Ayreon> I wonder if the bay doors are going to open
* Admiral-Lilwall gets a buzz from the computer also
<Ayreon> only one way to find out
* Ayreon transforms to fighter mode
<Ayreon> computer, open bay doors for launch
<computer> warning: no launches are schedualed at this time
* Admiral-Lilwall to Ayreon, what are you doing bot?
<Ayreon> computer, override
* Ayreon to Lilwall, I said I needed to leave
<computer> Command-level personelle have been contacted. Please wait.
* Ayreon to Lilwall, this is important
<Admiral-Lilwall> Accessing the com array doesn't have anything to do with that I'm afraid
* Ayreon returns to robot mode
<Ayreon> I wanted to let Avalon know I was coming
* Admiral-Lilwall heads to the shuttle bay, "Lil to Waitstate."
* Waitstate arrives at the launch bay
* Ayreon looks at the bay doors
<Waitstate> what exactly is going on?
* Admiral-Lilwall arrives soon after
<Ayreon> I need to leave for a little while
<Waitstate> umm... where?
<Ayreon> I am needed at a local space station
<Admiral-Lilwall> To Avalon, an asteroid not far from here
<Ayreon> yes, thank you
<Waitstate> needed?
<Ayreon> yes, the station is lonely
<Ayreon> it's hard to explain
<Admiral-Lilwall> I had assumed you'd have used an authorised airlock though.  And you could have simply contacted the station after you had set on your way
<Waitstate> What kind of history do you have with this station?
<Ayreon> I prefer to use the launch bay, and there is EMC interference in this area.
<Ayreon> It's friendly Waitstate. I've been there before. And I do mean me
<Waitstate> EMC interference?
<Ayreon> It's an abandoned station woth a highly complex and intelligent computer system, it is self aware
<Waitstate> A self aware space station... I'd like to meet something like that...
<Ayreon> The EMC interference is for old mines laid in the area. We're fine
<Ayreon> Avalon is alone. It was designed to see to the needs of a hundred man research team
<Ayreon> they're gone, and the station befriended Angra and myself a year ago
* Waitstate looks over at Lil
<Ayreon> Its been 6 months since I've been here
<Waitstate> Think we can detour?
<Ayreon> please
<Admiral-Lilwall> Your call. I don't have a problem with him going, but I advocate caution, if it's lonely, it may not want a visitor to leave
<Waitstate> How far off is it?
<Admiral-Lilwall> It's just the way I think, experience has taught me caution. But I'm not stopping anyone from going all the same
<Ayreon> it's cool with that. It understands my existence
<Ayreon> an hour off our course
<Ayreon> by my speeds
<Waitstate> You think we can spare a day or so Lil?
<Ayreon> We would have access to detailed research of this area of space
<Admiral-Lilwall> with all the action around here we can spare a hundred days
<Ayreon> so.....that means yes??
<Waitstate> heh
<Waitstate> yeah, I guess so
* Ayreon grins broadly
<Ayreon> YES!
* Waitstate strides purposely towards the lift, rather fascinated by the prospect
* Ayreon runs after him
* Waitstate arrives on the bridge and walks to the Nav station
<Ayreon> This is gonna be cool! Avalon is gonna love this!
* Waitstate brings up the recent entries list
* Admiral-Lilwall follows to the bridge
* Ayreon walks up behind Waitstate
<Waitstate> tripped on the console, eh? Are these the coordinates?
<Ayreon> yeah
<Admiral-Lilwall> *ahem*  amazing how a trip can alter some buttons ain't it
<Ayreon> The course is set to avoid the EMC mines
<Waitstate> uh-HUH
<Waitstate> ok... good
<Waitstate> computer: implement last inputted course
<computer> aknowledged
<Ayreon> Avalon is gonna freak when she sees you guys!
<Waitstate> and, go
* confirmation beep
<Waitstate> we're on our way :)
<Ayreon> I'll need to send her a message we're coming
<Admiral-Lilwall> *to self*  I hope not Ayreon...
<Admiral-Lilwall> com port is all yours
<Admiral-Lilwall> the com port, to send the station a msg
<Waitstate> ok Ayr, take the comm station
<Ayreon> cool, thanks
* Ayreon sits down at the comm station
<Ayreon> computer, open hailing frequencies
* several displays come online
<computer> hailing frequencies open
<Admiral-Lilwall> *while Ayreon uses the com, AL turns to Wait who is looking at him cheesily*
<Admiral-Lilwall> stop that
<Admiral-Lilwall> Your grin is gonna blow your face plate off and you don't even have a mouth, why so happy?
<Ayreon> *to computer* Ayreon to Avalon, please respond
<Waitstate> It's just so... exciting :)
* Ayreon jumps as static blares through the comm system
<Admiral-Lilwall> Well...I'm glad you think so, a sentient computer doesn't sound all that thrilling to me  *takes his seat*. Look at us, aren't we clever computers after all?
* Ayreon adjusts the comm frequencies
<Ayreon> Avalon come in please
<Avalon> *excited female voice (think over excited blonde)* Ayreon! 
<Ayreon> Hi Avalon! Request permission to enter orbit
<Avalon> *deeper, sultry voice* Your vessel is of an unknown configuration. I need the access clearance for you to dock
<Ayreon> *to self, out loud* access clearance? Oh yeah!
<Waitstate> what is she asking for exactly?
<Ayreon> Avalon, access code "tunnel of light". Request permission to enter through the nuclear portal of the Electric Castle
<Ayreon> she gave me a code to give her if I ever showed up in a ship she didn't recognize
<Waitstate> ah
<Avalon> *electronic, female voice* Access granted. Welcome to the Electric Castle. *excited voice* Welcome boys!
<Waitstate> an... interesting code
<Ayreon> the race that built her used metaphor as a language structure
<Ayreon> I had a lot of translating to do last time I was here
<Waitstate> heh... I imagine so...
<Ayreon> the voices were an unfortunate by-product of my work
<Waitstate> oh? *with a grin*
<Ayreon> um, you want to dock the ship, or just orbit?
<Ayreon> and get that thought out of your head.
<Ayreon> *to self* how can a 'bot with a face plate smile??
<Waitstate> hmm... we aren't really equipped to dock
* Ayreon watches as a holographic image of a scantly clad human female materializes in front of him
<Ayreon> Avalon?!
<Avalon> <holographic image> Hi Ayreon! I missed you so much!
* Ayreon gets tackled by a rather solid holographic image
<Ayreon> oof!
<Waitstate> Umm... I take it you are Avalon?
<Avalon> *looking at Waitstate* Hi! Yeah! Thats me!
* Waitstate reaches out a hand
<Ayreon> Avalon, not to sound ungrateful or anything, but would you get off of me!
<Waitstate> Hi. I'm Waitstate. it's a pleasure to meet you :)
<Admiral-Lilwall> Yes.... that holo certainly is... happy to see you...
* Avalon takes Waitstate's hand and gets up off of Ayreon
* Avalon looks around the ship's bridge "Oh Neat!"
<Waitstate> Interesting... are you generating that holo remotely, or are you using our ship's systems?
<Ayreon> Avalon, um, what the hell is going on here?
<Avalon> You mean I'm doing it!
<Waitstate> Interesting... It's too bad our comm officer is away... he'd LOVE to hear all about it!
<Ayreon> yeah. Now, what is all this?
<Avalon>I was studying the files you left me on Earth culture. I like this form. Why, don't you like it?
<Admiral-Lilwall> Yes, yes he would
* Admiral-Lilwall steps forward
* Ayreon looks at Lilwall
<Waitstate> Nice of you to up the form to our scale though... a little odd for me personally perhaps :)
<Ayreon> And I'm sure this look isn't stirring memories in you?!
<Avalon> Oh, don't worry about it
<Avalon> what do you mean "your scale"?
<Ayreon> She's never seen me in human form
<Admiral-Lilwall> Well, I don't know what's wrong with Ayreon, but I think the form suits you just... fine. Very nice in fact ms Avalon
<Avalon> thank you
<Waitstate> Our scale, as in the race that has the form similar to yours is considerably smaller than us
<Admiral-Lilwall> Humans are much smaller than us
<Ayreon> *sighing* Would you acess your original form program. This is alot to take in.
<Avalon> *pouting* I suppose
*Avalon fades briefly, then reforms as a robotic version of her previous form
* Admiral-Lilwall smirks to himself
<Avalon> *heavy synthed female voice* I am glad you returned
<Avalon> the station is open to the crew of this vessel. All of its resources are at your disposal
<Waitstate> Thank you :)
<Waitstate> It is much appreciated
<Ayreon> thank you Avalon. We'll be down soon
<Waitstate> Though, I'm rather eager to learn about you :)
<Avalon> You are welcome. I shall take my leave now
*Avalon fades from view
<Ayreon> OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKAY! That was different!
* Admiral-Lilwall frowns to himself, and returns to his seat
* Ayreon looks at Lilwall
* Ayreon looks at Lilwall again
<Ayreon> Lonely Admiral?
* Admiral-Lilwall notices the look and thinks for all open minds to read "you're out of line pal"
<Ayreon> Hey! Shouldn't Shadowpaw be up here for this?
<Ayreon> *softly* sorry I asked
<Admiral-Lilwall> I do believe she is standing behind you Ayreon
* Ayreon turns to see Shadowpaw
<Ayreon> How long have you been there?
<Shadowpaw> Hi.
<Ayreon> So, um, what do you think of Avalon, Shadowpaw?
<Shadowpaw> She's cool. :)
<Ayreon> She wasn't like this the last time I was here. And I certainly didn't leave her with any files that looked like *that*!
<Ayreon> any thoughts Wait?
<Waitstate> Well, she certainly is... exuberent
<Ayreon> to say the least!
<Ayreon> I have no idea where that image came from
<Ayreon> I guess Lil wasn't impressed after all
<Waitstate> Actually though, I wasn't horribly surprised by her
<Ayreon> You weren't?!
<Waitstate> no, not really
<Shadowpaw> Um, Wait?
<Ayreon> Why not, I was!
<Waitstate> I've interacted with more than one sentient computer in my time :)
<Ayreon> Oh, well. Thats a relief
<Waitstate> Being without a living body can be a tad... destablizing
<Waitstate> nothing serious though
<Ayreon> I swear I did not program her to act like that!
<Ayreon> And as for the look, I have no idea where it came from
<Shadowpaw> Waitstate?
<Waitstate> I think there are things she isn't telling you :)
<Waitstate> Yes SP?
<Ayreon> The final image you saw was how I left her
<Ayreon> We may need to have a serious talk............
* Ayreon sits down
<Waitstate> She probly just latched on to the 1st companion she'd had in who know how long, and adjusted herself to fit
<Shadowpaw> I think... if it's alright with you... that I'll retire to my quarters. I'm feeling a bit...... tired.
<Waitstate> Alright :)
<Waitstate> Enjoy your rest :)
* Shadowpaw mutters a thank you and exits the bridge
<Ayreon> But she never saw me in my human form. She's acting like I'm her boyfriend!
<Ayreon> I need a drink!
<Waitstate> As I said, I think there are things she isn't telling you
* Waitstate pulls a pint of ale from somewhere
<Waitstate> this do?
<Ayreon> When we go down to the station, I'm going to check her programming. thanks, this'll do great
* Ayreon downs it in one shot, then nearly falls out of his chair
<Ayreon> what was in that?
<Waitstate> actually, there was a small amout of a bluish liquor I picked up on Remus... I forget the name
* Ayreon shakes his head
<Ayreon> Oy Vey!
* Ayreon steadies himself
<Waitstate> need help?
<Ayreon> I'm OK, I think
* Ayreon falls out of the chair
<Ayreon> I guess I do
* Waitstate wonders how you drank the drink if you are
* Ayreon tries to clear his head
* Waitstate walks over and inserts a small object in a diagnostic port on Ayr's transtector
<Waitstate> there... the body should be ably to handle normal psychomotor function now :)
<Ayreon> thanks. Should I be dizzy?
<Waitstate> you'll probly be dizzy till you sober up :)
* Ayreon tries to get up, and falls into the chair
<Ayreon> OW! Dammit
<Waitstate> don't worry though... I activated the body's dormant motor controls. Just don't think too hard about moving :)
<Ayreon> Not a problem!
* Ayreon turns slowly to the comm system
* Waitstate pulls out a Sprite
<Waitstate> this should clear your head
<Ayreon> thanks. What are you, a transforming vending machine?
<Waitstate> heh
<Waitstate> no
<Waitstate> I just never got out of my old habits :)
<Ayreon> you could fool me :)
* Ayreon taps the comm, opening a channel
<Ayreon> *to comm* Avalon, this is Ayreon. We'll be down in a while.
<Avalon> *to Ayreon* acknowledged. Contact me when you are ready. Avalon out.
* grand musical flourish signals the end* As we leave our intreped adventurers we are left wondering: will Admiral Lilwall's fears come to life? What promise does Avalon have in helping the LONAC members? And just why was a hologram wearing a g-string?! Find out next time!
Session Close: Fri Sep 25 05:10:57 1998